ABOUT S.I TRAVEL

With dense forests, abundant wildlife, friendly people, rich culture and underdeveloped coastal resorts, Myanmar (previously known as Burma) is certainly a beautiful corner of Asia. Sadly, however, an unstable political situation substantially detracts from Myanmar's credentials as an alluring tourist destination.

Would-be tourists face a difficult choice in whether to come. On the one hand, Myanmar has many attractions: thousands of pagodas, fascinating culture and ancient towns among them. Also, tourists are welcomed with open arms by locals hungry for news of the outside world, and for their economic contribution.

Things to see and do:

Bagan - Discover historical Bagan. The ancient city was founded in AD 849 by the Myanmar, or Burmans, as the capital of their empire. It is one of the most amazing archaeological sites in the world - 5000 temples, stupas (Buddhist dome-shaped monuments believed to contain relics of the Buddha himself) and pagodas lie scattered across an area of 42 sq km (16.2 sq miles) on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, testifying to the power and status of Bagan in bygone times. The most significant pagoda is the golden Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed in 1057 by King Anawrahta, the founder of the Myanmar dynasty, as a place of prayer and meditation. The informative Archaeological Museum displays murals, plaster carvings and other artefacts from the empire. Many visitors take a river excursion to take in large stretches of the site, which is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Buddhist retreats - Find balance and inner peace by participating in a Buddhist retreat. There are several centres for the serious study and practice of Theravada Buddhism, with the most famous of which the Mahasi Meditation Centre in Yangon. Long-stay entry visas may be needed for a retreat.

Catch a show - Attend performances of Myanmar's traditional popular theatre. Performances take place during religious festivals, weddings, sporting events or even funerals, and sometimes last for an entire night. See traditional dance forms (nat pwes), which pay homage to the spirit world, and catch some marionette theatre (yok-thei pwe), widely practised during the late 18th century in Mandalay.

Escape the crowds - Get off the beaten track in the country's east and northwest. Kalaw provides a cool, pine-forested escape; the caves and lake at Pindaya contain thousands of Buddha images; near Yengan village find the Padah-Lin Caves, containing prehistoric paintings. Meanwhile, Inlay Lake is famous for its floating gardens and leg-rowing fishermen. Further north, Maymyo is a charming British hill station.

Kyaiktiyo - Marvel at Kyaiktiyo and its incredible Golden Rock Pagoda: a 5.5m (18ft) shrine built on a gold-plated boulder balancing atop a cliff.b

Lost cities - Venture outside Mandalay to several abandoned capital cities. Sagaing contains interesting pagodas, and Ava's old city walls can be traced. Take a river trip to Mingun to see the famous Mingun Bell, supposedly the world's largest uncracked hung bell. The city of Amarapura is also famous for its cotton and silk weaving.

Mandalay - Roam the old royal city of Mandalay, which is rich in palaces, stupas, temples and pagodas. Sights include the huge Shweyattaw Buddha, with its outstretched finger; the Eindawya Pagoda, covered in gold leaf; the Shwekyimyint Pagoda; the Mahumuni Pagoda or 'Great Pagoda', housing a famous and revered Mahumuni image. Also, visit the ruins of the once-stupendous Mandalay Palace, destroyed in 1942.

Naga-Yone - Outside the capital, visit the Naga-Yone enclosure near Myinkaba, with a Buddha figure entwined and protected by a huge cobra - a combination of Buddhism and Brahman astrology.

National parks - Myanmar's has rich opportunities for ecotourism, trekking and safaris to experience in its national parks. The best parks include the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (northwest of Monywa); Hlawga National Park (near Yangon); Popa Mountain Park (central Myanmar); Lampi Island (Myeik Archipelago); and Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary (located in Minbu).

Pegu - Visit Pegu with its golden Shwemawdaw Pagoda and market. Just northeast is the Shwethalyaung Buddha, revered as one of the most beautiful and lifelike of reclining Buddhas, which was lost and totally overgrown by jungle in 1757, then rediscovered in the British era.

Watch traditional sports - The national game, chinglone, is played in teams of six, and the object of the game is to keep a cane ball in the air for as long as possible, using any part of the body except the hands. Burmese boxing is another popular sport.

Yangon - Yangon (Rangoon) is a city of temples, markets, food stalls and ill-repaired colonial architecture. Highlights include the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most spectacular Buddhist shrines in Asia; the ancient Sule Pagoda; the Botataung Pagoda, hollow inside with a mirrored maze; and the Maha Pasan Guha, or 'Great Cave'.